Thames River Wine And Spirits Moves Into New Home

Though its rustic wine cellar is now a thing of the past, is offering the same selection and events under its new roof on State Street.

The wine and liquor store, formerly located at 84 Bank Street, has moved into the building at 70 State Street. It joins two other businesses owned by Charlotte and Fred Hennegan: —a café, newsstand, and cigar shop—and , a flower and gift shop. Charlotte says she hopes the consolidation of the businesses will lead to a unified retail experience for shoppers.

“I’m thrilled that we’re open, and I’m glad that we’re able to have everything under one roof,” she said.

The store’s weekly wine tasting, which runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Friday, debuted in the new location on Friday. Rachel Sholes, a store employee, served up a sparkling rosé to well wishers.

“I think its fantastic,” she said. “I think it’s just a great way to consolidate space over here.”

Fred said he and Charlotte had been contemplating the move for over a year. He said liquor laws put restrictions on some uses at the Bank Street location. People were always struck by the cellar, which he said may have once seen use as a rum warehouse for the port, and wanted to use it for receptions and other events. Since food could not be served in the wine shop, they were always turning away business.

Fred said he and Charlotte plan to put the space to use for these kind of events, and said it will include some displays by the art gallery He said there is an apartment above the space which he hopes can be used to host visiting artists, chefs, and musicians.

“That place was magic,” he said. “And we’re still going to use it and we’re going to do great things with it.”

The restaurant associated with the store will also move its operations to State Street.